BBL 2018-19, Match 27: Adelaide Strikers vs Melbourne Stars: Dream11 Fantasy Cricket Tips – Playing XI, Pitch Report & Injury Update

The defending champions Adelaide Strikers have been quite inconsistent with three wins and three losses including two defeats at home venue where they were undefeated in the previous season. They will be up against Melbourne Stars who also have the same record and had their 3-match winning streak ended against Perth Scorchers in the last game. Captain Travis Head is back to leading the Strikers for the first time this season as he returning from Australia’s Test Series squad against India.

Travis will be available for the next two matches before joining Australia’s Test squad against Sri Lanka. Wicketkeeper Harry Nielsen will replace Alex Carey while Ben Laughlin returns in place of Billy Stanlake. Laughlin had hamstring soreness which ruled him out of Sunday night’s game against the Sydney Sixers. Rashid Khan went back to Afghanistan and joined the Strikers’ squad in the short break of three days. Stars also made one change with Lance Morris coming into the squad in place of Tom O’Connell.

Match Details:

The 27th match of the Big Bash League (BBL) 2018-19 will be played between Adelaide Strikers and Melbourne Stars at the Adelaide Oval.

The match starts at 6:30 PM local time (8:00 AM GMT) (1:30 PM IST).

The game will be live on Sony SIX and Sony SIX HD in India. Live streaming is available on Sony Liv.

Pitch Condition/Report:

The teams winning the toss will be electing to bowl first given the short square boundaries at the Adelaide Oval. Given how the pitches played this season here, the game between Strikers and Stars could have scores over 150.

Squads:

Adelaide Strikers:

Travis Head (C), Wes Agar, Colin Ingram, Rashid Khan, Ben Laughlin, Jake Lehmann, Michael Neser, Harry Nielsen (W), Liam O’Connor, Matt Short, Cameron Valente, Jake Weatherald, Jon Wells.

Melbourne Stars:

Nic Maddinson (C), Michael Beer, Jackson Bird, Scott Boland, Liam Bowe, Dwayne Bravo, Ben Dunk, Seb Gotch, Evan Gulbis, Nick Larkin, Jonathan Merlo, Lance Morris, Liam Plunkett.

Injury and Availability Updates after the announcement of the squads:

(Will be added when there is an update)

Power Picks:

Travis Head was quite decent with the bat during the home Test series compared to how his teammates fared. The middle-order bat scored 237 runs from seven innings to finish as the 2nd highest run-getter for Australia in the series with two fifties. He needs 12 more runs to become the first player with 1000 BBL runs for the Strikers having scored 988 runs.

Captain and Vice-Captain Selection:

Travis Head will be eager to make his presence count. Colin Ingram and Jake Weatherald would take up the responsibility in the absence of Carey. Dwayne Bravo is expected to play a crucial role in the absence of the big names.

Playing XI #1 for Head to Head/Small Leagues:

Keeper – Seb Gotch

Batters – Travis Head (VC), Colin Ingram, Nic Maddinson, Jake Weatherald, Ben Dunk

All-Rounders – Matthew Short, Dwayne Bravo (C)

Bowlers – Rashid Khan, Liam Plunkett, Ben Laughlin

Playing XI #2 for Grand Leagues/Mega Leagues:

Keeper – Seb Gotch

Batters – Travis Head (C), Colin Ingram (VC), Nic Maddinson, Ben Dunk

All-Rounders – Matthew Short, Michael Neser, Dwayne Bravo

Bowlers – Rashid Khan, Scott Boland, Ben Laughlin

Expert Advice:

There are four players among the keepers with only Harry Nielsen and Seb Gotch available for this fixture. Both the players cost 8 credits, picking any one of the two might not make a difference. Gotch could get a better chance to bat in comparison with Nielsen if the Strikers don’t consider their new keeper for the opening.

Probable Winners:

Adelaide Strikers are expected to defeat the Melbourne Stars due to the presence of most stars in their line-up.

*Disclaimer: This team is based on the understanding, analysis and instinct of the author. While selecting your team, consider the points mentioned and make your own decision.

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